Renault Lodgy spied testing in Chennai, to rival Honda Mobilio

Just as MPV market is further heating up with launch of Honda Mobilio right around the corner, Renault Lodgy MPV was caught testing in Chennai recently. This comes as a sign that Japanese dominated MPV segment will soon see French influence as well, and we know how well Renault pulled off with Duster.

Original Dacia Lodgy was launched at 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Ukraine was first market to receive Renault badged Lodgy, at launch price of 174,900 Ukrainian hryvnia (Rs. 13.35 lakhs approx.). In India, Lodgy can be expected to cost between Rs. 7 and Rs. 11 lakhs, entering into competition with much awaited Honda Mobilio, Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Innova and Chevrolet Enjoy.

Upcoming Lodgy MPV is most likely to share engine from Renault’s flagship Duster, the 1.5 litre K9K diesel mill in two states of tune. Lower powered 85 PS (83.3 bhp) engine will be mated to 5 speed gearbox and higher 110 PS (107.8 bhp) motor will be coupled to a 6 speed transmission. Petrol variant in Lodgy MPV is doubted.

Renault Lodgy MPV is expected to roll out of Renault-Nissan Alliance‚Äôs Oragadam plant in first quarter of 2015. Test mule showing up adds makes expected launch time more credible. Renault India also has a sub-4 lakh hatchback for 2015 launch, which would be the Renault XBA (codename), based on Renault-Nissan CMF-A platform. It will rival Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon.